Issues → December 2006 → Travel → Four Winter Outings in New England →

Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Hyannis, MA

by Polly Bannister

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It is 17 degrees outside, with a north wind snapping at anything that moves. The windchill makes it feel like zero. No worry. Here, the kids belly up to 2-foot waves, whip down an 80-foot waterslide, and dash under cascading falls. No, we are not at Disney World or in Maui -- we are tucked inside the Cape Codder Resort & Spa, where warm water trumps winter every time.

Consider the 8,400-square-foot wave pool, an indoor theme park with two waterslides, waterfalls, a Jacuzzi that seats 24, and two saunas. Do as most families do: Grown-ups take turns watching the kids poolside. The off-duty parent hits the spa for a massage, facial, manicure, or body wrap. If Dad can't shed type A mode, there is a state-of-the-art exercise room for him.

Though the Cape Codder Resort does a brisk wedding and conference business, kids remain a top priority here. One of the saunas is even kept at a safe temperature for little ones. Owner Debra Catania says, "We got tired of policing the sauna ... and children are just innately curious, so we set aside one sauna for them." There is also a game room, where laughter drowns out the sounds of air hockey and pinball.

There are two restaurants on-site: Families with young children tend to eat at the Hearth 'n Kettle, which serves homemade breads, seafood, pasta, and hearty meat dishes. Since our daughter is a teen, we opt for more sophisticated dining in the intimate Mediterranean-style Grand Cru Wine Bar & Grill. Dad's favorite is the Kobe beef cheeseburger, mine the Cru crab cakes. Our daughter's favorite is the baked-to-order warm cookies with hazelnut gelato -- a delight second only to the wave pool. -- Polly Bannister

Cape Codder Resort & Spa, 1225 Iyanough Rd., Hyannis, MA. Rates: $99-$199. Hearth 'n Kettle entrées: $9.99- $17.99. Grand Cru entrées: $12-$27. 888-297-2200, 508-771-3000. capecodderresort.com